Second Acoustic Trauma: Prednisone Helped, but Tinnitus Returned Louder — Would Dexamethasone Help Three Weeks Later?

[Barry17]

I would appreciate your advice.

I experienced a second acoustic trauma on April 19, 2025. It lasted about half a minute at 110 dB, and I couldn't get out of the room. It was an extremely traumatic experience.

Immediately afterward, I started taking Prednisone for seven days. My tinnitus initially reduced significantly, but after I stopped Prednisone, the tinnitus came back even louder. My hearing is still very dull and muffled.

My ENT has now prescribed Dexamethasone for two weeks. Do you think it is too late to start this treatment three weeks after the trauma?

 

[Dreamer]

Hey @Barry17, how are you holding up? Did you end up taking the Dexamethasone?

 

[Eric N]

Did you try covering your ears with your hands? What was the experience like?

 

[Barry17]

Hey @Barry17, how are you holding up? Did you end up taking the Dexamethasone?

Hi Dreamer,

Mentally, I am doing okay. I have been "recovering" for three years before, so I understand the struggle. Unfortunately, my hearing has worsened, which means more tinnitus. I now have more difficulty with detailed hearing and following conversations. My ears still feel full, and they tend to spike quickly after conversations or exposure to other louder sounds.

I did not take Dexamethasone. During my time on Prednisone, I noticed that my tinnitus was almost gone. However, once I finished the treatment, the tinnitus returned, and it came back louder.

Did you try covering your ears with your hands? What was the experience like?

After some time, I did recover, but I was completely in shock. I was in a "safe" room with my father at a nursing home when, without warning, the fire alarm went off, and the doors automatically locked. The alarm continued for a few minutes before it finally stopped—it was a false alarm.

No matter how careful you are with protection and avoiding loud sounds, some situations are simply unavoidable. I now carry earmuffs with me, always within reach. It was another hard lesson. Hopefully, my hearing recovers at least a little.